E is for Email Queries

Don’t leave! Yes, I used the word query. Truth is, you can’t get published if you don’t query. Most editors and agents prefer this method of submission. It’s green, eco-friendly,  and postage-free.

It’s also so darn easy if you do your homework.

Just like in the “old” days, there are submission guidelines you need to follow. There is no excuse not to know them. Just about everyone has a website or blog where these guidelines can be found. This is not a hardcore, you must do it like this, set of directions.

I'm just offering some common sense things to think about. So here goes.

Use the correct email address. Does it go to a Query@email.com address or to s specific person's email. Make sure you know.

Subject Line - use it. Include the word query, that’s what it is. Not using the word, won’t get them to open the email any faster. Actually, it might be the reason they delete it, unread.

Salutation - be professional. No “Whaat’s up, Dog! Dear Mr. (insert last name), Ms. (insert last name), or if you are on first name basis, Dear (insert name).

Body Text - keep it short and to the point. You know the cliche; hook, line, and sinker. Use it.
    Hook - Exactly what it sounds like, with name of project and page count.
    Line - One paragraph, description or pitch.
    Sinker - Tell them if you have have included sample pages and who you are.

Signature Block - Name and contact information, Include your email, web or blog address, and  a phone number.
    Example:    Samantha Writer

            youremailaddress(@)email.com
            Writetoblog.bloghost.com
            555-555-5555

Know what to include:
Did they ask for a synopsis and the first chapter?
Do you insert into the email or as an attachment?

Everyone has different preferences. Make sure you know them.

Do you have any great email query tips? I would love for you to share them. Post them in comments.

Dystopian, Not Didactic

Dystopian novels continue to be popular with Teen readers.

Is this because many dystopian worlds mimic current trends in today’s young adult society?  Or, could it be, this group of readers more closely identify with oppression and control and how it leads to rebellion?

Teens want to be allowed to chose their friends, destinations, and relationships without parental intervention. In The New Yorker article Fresh Hell, writer Laura Miller says, “The world of our hovered-over teens and preteens may be safer, but it’s also less conducive to adventure, and therefore to adventure stories.”

Today’s teens live in well-defined, segmented worlds. Their days cycle through home, school, activities, sports, all of which have rules set forth by adults and must be followed. They can be reached by parents at all times by cell phone and texting.

Many Dystopian worlds emulate the oppression and control which many teens feel they are made to endure. For today's teens, their everyday encapsulated worlds are really dystopian in nature and camouflaged as daily life.

These dystopian heroes do what many teens cannot, they go beyond questioning, they resist authority, and in the end successfully rebel. Often, finding the outcome far from perfect, but knowing change occurred.

If you were to write a dystopian novel, what would your world be like?

Recommended Reading List
The Ember Series by Jeanne Duprau
Feed by MT Anderson
The forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan
The Giver by Lois Lowry
How I live Now by Meg Rosoff
The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suazanne COllins
The Maze Runner by James Dashner
Unwind by Neal Shusterman
The Moon Crash Trilogy by Beth Pfifer
Birthmarked byCaragh M. O’Brien
Matched by Ally Condie
The Uglies Trilogy by Scott Westerfeld

The Importance of Crafting Compelling Characters

You know Katniss Everdeen, Harry Potter, and Bella Swan - these aren’t just names, they’re characters whose secrets you know, desires you understand, and whose fears you wish you could quell. Characters so alive, you’ve fallen in love with them.

Why does this happen?

Not by accident.

These characters are carefully crafted so their actions, dialogue and choices show (yes, show) how they think and what they believe. Crafted to make their flaws stand out, their secrets weigh heavy, to allow their fears to be exploited.

As my character’s life unfolds, my goal is to make it easy for the reader to get caught up in the character’s actions and words.  If I do it right, I can facilitate an internal dialogue where the reader reacts emotionally and wants to tell my character not to make that choice or say those words. Where the readers wants to send warnings, because they care about what is happening the character.

Of course my character will make the wrong choice or say the wrong thing, they have to. The reader can’t change what will happen, but they will love my character more for making mistakes, for being human.

Ultimately, I want my reader to cry when my character pays the price for their mistakes, and laugh and cheer them on when they grow and change. Most of all, I want to make reader believe in my character. 

Once a reader believes a character can save the world, fight evil wizards, or love a vampire, you've succeeded in creating a compelling character.